Former Socceroos coach Terrry Venables on 'that' match
2:47

Former Socceroos coach Terry Venables describes the torment he still feels from Australia's heartbreaking defeat in the 1998 World Cup playoff to Iran.

Fox Sports

02 Mar 2014

Sport/Football/A-League/Shows

19. Ryan McGowan (Defender, 24, 8 caps)

Another centre-back option, McGowan will have a chance to prove his wares when China’s league resumes.

20. Luke Wilkshire (Utility, 32, 79 caps) A mainstay of the Socceroos, will Postecoglou lean on his experience or is time up for the Dynamo Moscow player?

21-30 UNDER PRESSURE

21. Ben Halloran (Midfielder, 21, 0 caps)

The speedy Fortuna Dusseldorf man has rocketed into contention to replace Kruse.

22. Chris Herd (Utility, 24, no caps)

So many, including Postecoglou, hope to see the Aston Villa utility in a Socceroos jersey but his withdrawal ahead of the Ecuador game due to personal issues has now put major question marks on his World Cup prospects.

23. Curtis Good (Defender, 20, 0 caps)

David Gallop on South Africa clash, Chris Herd withdrawal
1:07

FFA Chief Executive David Gallop explains the reasons behind scheduling a clash between the Socceroos and South Africa ahead of the World Cup in June, as well as wishing Chris Herd the best as he battles personal issues.

Fox Sports

03 Mar 2014

Sport/Football/Socceroos

The under-23s skipper is on loan at Dundee United from Newcastle United and could be fast-tracked for a centre-back berth.

24. Sasa Ognenovski (Defender, 34, 22 caps) The Og-Monster’s return to Sydney FC puts him right in the Socceroos shop window. Could provide the experience craved without Neill.

25. James Troisi (Midfielder/Striker, 25, 9 caps) A successful move from Italy to Victory has the attacking option back in the mix.

26. Michael Zullo (Defender/Midfielder, 25, 10 caps) A left-sided option for Postecoglou to consider. He modelled the new kit at its launch, but didn’t get a call for the Ecuador game.

27. Lucas Neill (Defender, 35, 96 caps)

The skipper didn’t have the runs on the board for Ecuador but consistent game time at Watford could help him make a late bid.

Chris Herd withdrawn from club and international football
2:17

Aston Villa's Chris Herd has been withdrawn by his club from all football commitments as he deals with unknown 'personal issues,' meaning he won't link up with the Socceroos squad in London to face Ecuador on Thursday morning Australian time.

Fox Sports

03 Mar 2014

Sport/Football/Socceroos

28. Brett Holman (Midfielder/striker, 29, 63 caps) The Al Nasr attacker’s prospects don’t look good, but he has delivered for Australia time and time again. Could fill Kruse’s void, but will Ange turn to him?

29. Alex Brosque (Striker, 30, 21 caps)

A mainstay under Holger Osieck, but Al Ain striker Brosque has his work cut out forcing his way in this time.

30. Brad Jones (Goalkeeper, 31, 3 caps)

A surprise call-up given he has only played three times for Liverpool this season, but has the chance to nudge ahead of Eugene Galekovic, Ante Covic and Adam Federici.

31-40 BOLTERS

31. Massimo Luongo (Midfiedler, 21, 0 caps)

The former Spurs midfielder has forged a reputation at Swindon and caught Postecoglous’s attention. A genuine World Cup bolter chance.

32. Trent Sainsbury (Defender, 22, no caps) His move to Holland’s FC Zwolle last month was perfectly timed. A knee injury wasn’t. Still an outside chance.

Massimo Luongo the Soceroos' unknown quantity
2:38

Massimo Luongo says he is thrilled to just be in the mind of Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, let alone selected in Australia's 23-man squad to face Ecuador on March 5.

Fox Sports

26 Feb 2014

Sport/Football/Socceroos

33. Archie Thompson (Striker, 35, 54 caps) A year ago, Thompson was a certainty, but he’s fallen off the radar since Osieck’s departure. His energy is an infectious asset.

34. Jackson Irvine (Utility, 20, 1 cap)

On loan at Kilmarnock from Celtic, he has the ability to fill a number of positions across the park.

35. Nikita Rukavytsya (Striker, 26, 13 caps) A left foot and blistering pace, but hasn’t ever flourished for Australia. Does his non-selection against Ecuador hint that the FSV Frankfurt man is out of the reckoning?

36. Carl Valeri (Midfielder, 29, 50 caps) After a long injury, the former central midfield mainstay has moved to Serie B in Italy for precious game time. Has never let Australia down.

37. Eugene Galekovic (Goalkeeper, 32, 8 caps) A pillar of strength for Adelaide United who was also part of South Africa 2010.

38. Aaron Mooy (Midfielder, 23, 3 caps)

Western Sydney Wanderers’ midfielder with ability at set-pieces and a great passing range.

39. Mitch Nichols (Midfielder, 24, 4 caps) Hugely dangerous when at his best; will a move from Victory to Cerezo Osaka help or hinder Nichols’s international ambition?

40. Harry Kewell (Striker, 35, 56 caps)

Could Ange bring back the legend? He’s shown glimpses for Heart; fitness and minutes are now key. There’s plenty who’d love to see him there.

A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites.